“IT’S A HARD-CORE EXPLICIT CONTENT. That is really the definition of dancehall,” said Spice, one of the reigning queens of the genre, which blossomed in Jamaica in the 1970s and is in the midst of a global revival. Known for its raunchy, sexual lyrics and explicitly provocative style, dancehall has long been dominated by men. In the ’80s and ’90s, female artists like Lady Saw, Sister Nancy and Patra were a rarity, using their music to challenge social and religious norms.


Now, many more women are making dancehall music, and they’re beginning to change the language of the genre — taking on topics like queer love and colorism.


Meet four women redefining dancehall today.


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Lauren Du Graf